THE total value of projects for the six villages in the Vanua o Nalolo is capped at $300,000 for the terms of its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) and the projects would be prioritised according to needs.
FNPF Investment Analyst Ratu Isoa Makutu made the remark at the Vanua o Nalolo Council of Chiefs meeting held on Tuesday this week.
Ratu Isoa had provided a presentation on the MOU signed between FNPF and resource owners last month in which the FNPF-owned Momi Bay Resort Ltd (MBRL) had committed $1.02 million in benefits over three years for community development projects and sustainable opportunities for resource owners.
For commercial opportunities, Ratu Isoa said the agreement in the MOU, is that preference would be given to the land-owning units with due consideration to requirements and standard of compliance.
“MBRL to manage competing interests amongst landowning units that could potentially lead to disputes in relation to business opportunities offered within the Resort,” he said.
“Business opportunities to include but are not limited to: land and sea transportation, supply of local produce, entertainment (cultural and choir performances) village and historic site tours, handicraft market stalls, nanny service. Horse riding and water sports activities.”
Ratu Isoa reminded the Turaga ni Yavusa (tribal chiefs) and village headmen that for villagers to provide local produce to the resort, they must meet the standards of the resort in terms of quality and fresh local produce.
“Key projects for communal benefits such as construction/refurbishment of village meeting halls with ablution facilities, dispensary, school buildings, water & sanitation projects, footpaths and street lights.
“Total value of projects for the six villages will be capped at $300,000 for the terms of the MOU and projects will be prioritised according to needs.”
Meanwhile, Viti Indigenous Tourism Alliance (VITA) president Sitiveni Nawaqa said VITA, whose members are iTaukei landowners with hotel operations on their land, will ensure the $1.02 million is managed with integrity, transparency and strategic vision.
The six villages that will benefit from this development projects include Lomawai, Tau, Kubuna, Nakorokula, Bavu and Navutu who are part of the Tikina Wai in the Nadroga/Navosa province.
